Jeffrey Buis made history in the 2023 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship campaign when he became the first double Champion in the series’ history, having won titles in 2020 and 2023. He was then racing for the MTM Kawasaki squad and reflected on his incredible success after securing the history-making title at Portimao, as well as explaining his promise to Victor Steeman’s dad following Steeman’s sad passing and giving a short preview of the 2024 season, where he has switched to the Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing squad.

OVERALL FEELINGS: “to be a two-time World Champion is incredible”

Each season of WorldSSP300 has brought a different Champion, until Buis in 2023. The Meppel-born rider previously won the title in 2020, before trying to defend it in 2021 where he finished third. He stepped up to WorldSSP in 2022 but that proved challenging for the Dutchman as he scored no points, before opting to link up with MTM Kawasaki in WorldSSP300 again. It was the catalyst for a record-breaking season, with Buis the first two-time Champion in the class as well as the record holder for most wins (11) and joint holder for most podiums (20, level with Scott Deroue).

Discussing the season and how it feels to be able to call himself a two-time World Champion, Buis said: “I have to say, to be a two-time World Champion, especially in WorldSSP300 is incredible. It’s a feeling that I don’t know how to describe. Back in 2020, I was quite young and everything that season went quite well. In 2023, it was quite different because I had some ups and downs, some crashes, and to comeback from those crashes was quite tough. I managed to win the title again, and that’s a lot more pressure than the first title. In WorldSSP300, I had a tough year, I struggled a lot, but the team helped me to believe in myself. They said, ‘go again, go again’ and from that moment I knew to never give up; everything was still possible.”

THE BUILD UP TO THE CROWNING MOMENT: “we were a bit nervous…”

Buis, who turned 22 in December after securing the crown, won it in the final race of the season. Heading into Race 2 at Portimao, he had a 22-point lead over rival Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez, then at Accolade Smrz Racing BGR, as the pair battled it out, with the Dutchman coming out on top after finishing 11^th in the race. It was enough to secure him the title, and he discussed the build-up to the final race and how he was feeling ahead of a defining race.

Buis explained: “In the 24 hours leading up to it, we were a bit nervous because we didn’t want to lose it as I was very close. It was my plan to go for the first few laps, we were the top riders, so we made a small group. Sometimes it’s 15 riders, sometimes it was 10, and this time it was 10; this was perfect for me. In the first corner, some riders touched me, so after this I thought I needed to be a little bit careful and not crash. If there was ‘okay’ on the pit board then there was no problem, I was in the Championship position. If they removed it, I had to go. Every lap, I was trying to be sure. With four laps to go, I had enough space behind me and a safe space in front of me to finish the race and enjoy it. I didn’t realise what I’d achieved really until I was back in the pit box with my father and mother. From that moment, it was incredible. When you see them again, it’s emotional.”

A PROMISE TO STEEMAN’S DAD: “I made a promise to try and get the Championship for Victor”

Victor Steeman tragically passed away after a crash at the same circuit a year before, with Buis revealing he made a promise to Steeman’s dad that he would try and get the Championship for him. With the pair coming up through the ranks together, Buis explained how he learnt from Steeman riding the Kawasaki Ninja 400, while he also paid tribute to him while on the cool-down lap at Portimao after securing the title.

Talking about the emotions he felt, Buis said: “From junior racing, I was always riding together with Victor. He was always a little bit better than me! I always looked up at him as a little kid as a good rider. The crash happened and then everything was so strange. I made a promise to his dad to try and get the Championship for Victor. I tried to learn from Victor’s riding because in 2022, he did very special things on the bike. It’s difficult to say, but I also think that’s why I won the Championship.”

THE CHALLENGE FOR 2024: new history to be made?

It was announced before securing the title that Buis would race for the Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing squad in 2024 as he goes in search of more records. One podium would give him the record for podiums in WorldSSP300, while a third title would cement his place as one of the all-time greats in the Championship. If he does win the title on the KTM RC 390 R machine – where he will race with the #1 plate – he would be the first to win the title with two different manufacturers.

Despite leaving the MTM Kawasaki team, Buis explained how they’d always be a family to him after enjoying so much success: “To leave the team especially when you become World Champion is hard because from 2019, I have some great memories, especially the two titles with them. They will always be a family for me. Even if I move to KTM, they’re still my family.”

The 2024 WorldSSP300 campaign starts in Catalunya! Watch it all using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

One of the biggest stories of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is that Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and identical twin brother Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) are racing together in the Championship. Both took part in the OMG MotoGP Podcast where they spoke about plenty of topics and with an abundance of banter, with constant laughing and joking and some serious talk too. It’s worth noting that this was recorder prior to Round 1 at Phillip Island.

In a chat that ranged from all things from racing when it started to their rise through the World Championship ranks, Alex believes brother Sam can win a race in his rookie year as well as stating their dream of sharing a World Championship podium at some point – on one condition: “I genuinely think he can win a race as a rookie and I need to get back to that level that I’ve been at. One of my targets is to share a podium together whilst we’re racing together. It’s been 15 or 16 years since we have but if we can be on a World Championship podium together, that’d be amazing – as long as he’s behind me!”

Get more of the OMG MotoGP Podcast here whilst enjoying 2024’s WorldSBK season with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

One of the biggest stories of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is that Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and identical twin brother Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) are racing together in the Championship. Both took part in the OMG MotoGP Podcast where they spoke about plenty of topics and with an abundance of banter, with constant laughing and joking and some serious talk too. It’s worth noting that this was recorder prior to Round 1 at Phillip Island.

In a chat that ranged from all things from racing when it started to their rise through the World Championship ranks, Alex believes brother Sam can win a race in his rookie year as well as stating their dream of sharing a World Championship podium at some point – on one condition: “I genuinely think he can win a race as a rookie and I need to get back to that level that I’ve been at. One of my targets is to share a podium together whilst we’re racing together. It’s been 15 or 16 years since we have but if we can be on a World Championship podium together, that’d be amazing – as long as he’s behind me!”

Get more of the OMG MotoGP Podcast here whilst enjoying 2024’s WorldSBK season with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship burst back into action in Australia and what a season-opener it was. Two winners, seven riders on the podium from four manufacturers and countless overtakes and moments of drama. Just a few weeks on, and it’s time for Round 2: the Pirelli Catalunya Round. Here are 10 reasons why you won’t want to miss any action from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and why you should get your tickets HERE.

WHO WINS? Anyone’s game in Spain…

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) were victors in Australia, but it could’ve easily been three winners in three races, coming from six or seven riders. WorldSBK’s new era began in style in Australia, and that’s set to continue with the Catalunya Round. Perhaps Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) returns to winning ways, Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) bounces back or Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) takes a first BMW victory. Or what about Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven), Bulega, Alex Lowes or everyone else? It really is anyone’s game…

IANNONE AND BULEGA: can they keep up their form in Spain?

Iannone and Bulega were a couple of the stand-out performers in Australia, and they will be hoping this continues. Both have experience of the circuit, with Bulega taking victory in WorldSSP last year, while Iannone’s last race there in MotoGP™ was back in 2019, when he finished 11^th. Having both been quick at different circuits in testing, they will have high hopes for Barcelona that they’ll be able to continue their strong form.

REA’S BIG ROUND 2: a fightback from the #65 to come

Rea had a disaster Down Under, scoring no points and ending the weekend with a trip to the medical centre and being declared unfit. Should he be given the go-ahead to race in Barcelona, the six-time Champion will be hoping he can bounce back in style and fight at the front to really kickstart his Yamaha career.

RAZGATLIOGLU AND BMW: what can we expect?

The Turkish star took a maiden podium for BMW in Australia at a circuit he’s had relatively limited success at, and Barcelona is another where he’s not always been in victory contention; in fact, he’s never won at the circuit. He has six podiums in 10 races there, all on Yamaha machinery, so Razgatlioglu will be hoping this continues – but with a victory charge too – following his switch to the BMW M 1000 RR.

ALWAYS A SURPRISE: never an easy round to predict…

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya always brings surprises. Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), then at Motocorsa Racing, took his first WorldSBK podium and led his first laps there, there’s always thrilling fights and who can forget Andy Verdoia’s incredible win in the wet back in 2020; a mid-race shower causing havoc in WorldSSP?

RETURN OF WorldSSP300: a third World Championship in action

The return to Europe marks the start of the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship season, with 32 riders on the entry list. Defending Champion Jeffrey Buis has a new home at KTM for 2024 as he looks to make it two titles in a row, and three overall, but he’ll face stiff competition from his rivals as they look to stop him winning. Always non-stop action, nothing in WorldSSP300 can be predicted.

PODIUM AND PARC FERME: get to the heart of the celebrations

The podiums for all three Championships, and the seven races, will take place in the paddock which gives fans a chance to watch riders celebrate in style. You get to hear their first words after a podium and then avoid the spray of Prosecco as riders sometimes run into the crowd. What better way to end a day than celebrating with riders…

PADDOCK SHOW AND FAN ZONE: off-track entertainment aplenty

At the same place as the podium ceremonies will be the paddock show, featuring interactive games, meet and greet sessions and much more. It’s a chance to bring fans as close to the riders as possible, getting to hear what they have to say and getting involved with games to add more fun to the WorldSBK experience. The fan zone will have attractions, shops, and more entertainment for even more off-track enjoyment.

CONCERTS: one day, three acts, one concert

New for 2024, as part of the Motorfest Barcelona, are concerts at the circuit. Els Catarres and Buhos will perform on Saturday, as will a DJ, on the main stage and you can watch it all as part of the off-track entertainment package. Make sure you stay and watch incredible performances.

THE DESTINATION: a stunning city nearby…

Of course, it would be amiss to not link the round to the city. Barcelona’s historic quarter and stunning beaches make it an event not to be missed, with the circuit located close to the Catalan city. Enjoy the local culture, visit historic monuments and areas, or go to the beach and bask in the Spanish sun, the city has something for everyone.

DON’T MISS OUT: get your tickets for the Pirelli Catalunya Round RIGHT HERE.

Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship is due to kick off soon but, before that historic moment, it’s time to meet the riders who will compete in the inaugural season. 24 riders are set for the Championship’s first season, with all riders on the Yamaha YZF-R7 machine, and there are some big names looking for history. You can see the full entry list, learn about the Championship and view the calendar right HERE.

PREVIOUSLY IN THE PADDOCK: big names return to the WorldSBK paddock

A few riders in WorldWCR in 2024 have been inside the paddock before with different levels of success. The entry list is headlined by 2018 WorldSSP300 Champion Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team), with the 26-year-old coming over from Moto3™ for this year’s WorldWCR. Beatriz Neila (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) raced in WorldSSP300 previously but has made a name for herself in the Women’s European championship, winning it four consecutive times from 2020.

She raced against Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) in 2021 and 2022, with Sanchez finishing runner-up, while she competed in one race in 2023 and won it as she also took on the CIV Supersport 300, finishing eighth. Elsewhere, Astrid Madrigal (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) made her WorldSSP300 debut last year, while she won the Latinamerica 500cc championship in 2023 and the Italika Women’s Cup Mexico in 2021. Isis Carreno (AD78 FIM Latinoamerica by Team GP3) also debuted in WorldSSP300 recently and has been a podium finisher in the Women’s European Championship.

STEPPING ACROSS: strong form in other championships

Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) is another who’s enjoyed success in her career, finishing third in the Women’s European Championship for four consecutive seasons but winning the Women’s CIV championship in 2023. Similarly, Francisca Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) has won the Spanish Women’s championship using the Yamaha R6 since 2021, while she also won the R6 Cup in Spain in 2020. This season will be the comeback year for Andrea Sibaja (Deza – Box 77 Racing Team) after injury, with the Spaniard second in the Spanish Women’s Supersport championship in 2022. 

Emily Bondi (YART Zelos Black Knights Team) comes into 2024 with a Women’s French championship at 600cc level to her name, while she also has a Moto2™ race winner and 2021 FIM Endurance World Championship winner on her side: Xavier Simeon. Ran Yochay (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team), like so many others, has spent a few seasons in the Women’s European championship, improving from 13^th in her debut season in 2021 to sixth in 2023. Jessica Howden (Team Trasimeno) has a similar path, with three podiums in two seasons in the European championship, while Sarah Varon (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) is one of the youngest riders on the grid and has had success in Mexico. There’s also been domestic success for South Africa’s Nicole van Aswengen (Andalaft Racing), who finished fourth in the South African Superbike championship in 2022 and 2023.

LOOKING TO MAKE THEIR MARK: can success come in 2024?

The WorldWCR will be used by some to kickstart their career, with plenty aiming to start their new adventure strongly. Mallory Dobbs and Alyssia Whitmore will both race for the Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team after racing in the USA and UK respectively. Mia Rusthen (Rusthen Racing) comes from the Women’s European championship and a top-ten placing in the standings, as does Lena Kemmer (Bertl K. Racing Team) as well as success in the Austrian Junior Cup. Luna Hirano (Team Luna) has spent several seasons in her native Japan racing on the Yamaha R6, while Lucy Michel (TSL-Racing) has raced on and off in the IDM Supersport 300 championship.

Czech rider Adela Ourednickova (DafitMotoracing) follows the same path from the German championship as Michel. Iryna Nadieieva (MPS.RT) raced in the Spanish R6 Cup last season, while Ornella Ongaro (Team Flembbo PL Performances) was in the Honda CBR500 Cup in 2023 and took one win. She also had a wildcard at the French GP back in 2009 in the 125cc World Championship. Australia’s Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport) has Australian Supersport 300 experience, while Chun Mei Liu (WT Racing Team Taiwan) has won two championships in her native Taiwan in 2021 and 2022.

OVERALL ANALYSIS: 24 riders from all over the world

WorldWCR will kick off with 24 riders competing, with 18 different nationalities represented. Spain is the most represented with five riders, followed by France and South Africa with two. Countries such as Taiwan, Colombia, Mexico, Norway, Chile, Ukraine, and Israel will have representation alongside the likes of Australia, the USA, Germany, Czechia, Great Britain, Austria, Japan, and Italy will have riders flying their flags.

Watch every moment from the WorldWCR’s inaugural season using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship kicked off with a bang with lots of overtaking and some passes almost impossible to imagine. It’s a new era of WorldSBK and the action started in stunning fashion, with it set to continue throughout the 2024 season. Here, we look at some of the incredible overtakes throughout the campaign that will define how it all plays out…

ALEX LOWES VS BAUTISTA: around the outside of Turn 9 at Phillip Island

Last lap fights for victory are always special, more so when they feature a pass. But this one had everyone off their feet. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was fighting Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) for P1, with the Spaniard ahead, before Alex Lowes swept around the outside of Lukey Heights for the lead. It was a move which led to Bautista calling the #22 “crazy” in Parc Ferme, but was it a sign of things to come in 2024?

IANNONE VS REA VS RINALDI: two-for-one for ‘The Maniac’

Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) had surged up the order, Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) was having a strong race and then… through comes Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven)! The #29 was running in sixth at the end of Lap 2 but had moved up to fourth at Turn 1 on Lap 3, passing both Rinaldi and Rea into Doohan Corner. It was a stunning move that caught everyone by surprise as ‘The Maniac’ proved he was ready to fight on his racing comeback.

IANNONE VS RAZGATLIOGLU: Phillip Island’s Turn 3 now an overtaking spot…

Generally, passes come at slower corners but Iannone had no such thoughts when fighting with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team). The #54 was ahead in Race 1 after Turn 1 with nine laps to go but the Italian had other ideas. Lining the pass up on the exit of the Southern Loop, Iannone darted to the inside through the high-speed Turn 3 and went up the inside of Razgatlioglu to move into second place, while leaving the #54 vulnerable to attack from behind as Alex Lowes came storming through at Turn 4.

BULEGA VS RAZGATLIOGLU: outbraking the Turkish star…

Razgatlioglu is a monster when it comes to braking, usually leaving it until the very last moment to start slowing down and with the rear wheel up, it’s a sight to behold. So, when rookie Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) came through on the #54 at Turn 4 in Race a few laps into the race, it was a bit of a surprise – although given the pace shown by ‘Bulegas’ in testing, perhaps it shouldn’t have been especially as he went on to win Race 1.

A NEW ERA HAS BEGUN: watch more incredible racing from WorldSBK in 2024 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship kicked off in style Down Under and while the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round did answer a few questions about 2024, it also left us with a lot of unanswered ones. Rookies were rapid, there were ups and downs for riders who changed teams while some embraced their position as team leader very well. What are we still looking for answers from ahead of the next round?

WILL IANNONE BE QUICK ALL YEAR? So far, so good for ‘The Maniac’

Despite it being his first race back after four years, Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) secured a podium in Race 1 in Australia. It was a memorable comeback to race, but one key caveat is it’s a circuit he’s always gone well at in MotoGP™. The question is now whether the #29 can be fast at every circuit this year despite his lengthy absence. Testing would suggest he can be, having gone quick at Jerez and relatively fast – albeit slightly further down the order – at Portimao. He’s raced a lot of circuits on the WorldSBK calendar before even if it was a while back, so will ‘The Maniac’ be in podium contention at every round in 2024?

MORE TO COME FROM BAUTISTA? No wins at Phillip Island in 2024…

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) came into Australia almost undefeated on the Panigale V4 R: eight wins from 12 on Ducati machinery, including five in a row from the 2022 Tissot Superpole Race, meant he was the favourite in Australia. It didn’t work out that way, however. A best of P2 in Race 2 was the highlight, with a crash in Race 1 dropping him to 15^th. With no wins and only one podium at a circuit he’s been so quick at in the past, will the #1 struggle throughout 2024 as new challengers and rules come into play or was Phillip Island a one-off following a disrupted winter through injury?

RAZGATLIOGLU AND BMW: why we need to wait until later in 2024 to fully assess?

It was a strong start for Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) with BMW, taking a Tissot Superpole Race podium and fighting at the front all weekend. However, Phillip Island is often a strange weekend for various reasons, including on tyre life – where the BMW has historically been weaker than its rivals. A mandatory pit stop in Race 1 reduced this problem, as did the 10-lap Superpole Race, while the #54 had a technical issue in Race 2. The question as to whether ‘El Turco’ and the three other BMW riders can fight for a rostrum consistently will be answered when WorldSBK hits Europe in a couple of weeks.

ALEX LOWES AND KAWASAKI: genuine on-track step forward or Phillip Island factor?

One of the surprise packages in Australia was Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), with the #22 taking two wins on Sunday and leaving as the Championship leader for the first time since 2020, when he won for KRT at the same circuit. Throughout testing, the British rider was keen to reiterate that he and Kawasaki had been focusing on long-run and end-of-race pace to find gains in the closing stages, but third on the grid in the Tissot Superpole session suggests the one-lap pace is up towards the front too. Caveat: like Iannone, it’s a circuit Lowes has gone well at, with three of his four WorldSBK wins coming at the iconic venue. The potential is there for it to have been a genuine step forward, but the Phillip Island factor has to be considered.

DISASTER DOWN UNDER: don’t read too much into it for Rea

Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) started his stint with Yamaha by showing quick pace in testing, but that disappeared in Australia. Chattering issues throughout the Official Test and the round left him struggling and he departed Phillip Island without a point to his name, and he was declared unfit following his Race 2 crash. That said, he’s shown his potential on the R1 throughout testing at Jerez and Portimao, so fully expect the six-time Champion to be back towards the front when WorldSBK resumes in Europe.

A NEW ERA HAS BEGUN: follow every single moment from WorldSBK in 2024 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship fired into life for the 37^th season of racing and what a weekend it was to open. Seven different podium finishers across four manufacturers, from rookie stardom to established guard not as strong as we thought, what are the things that shocked us after Round 1?

REA’S YAMAHA DEBUT DISASTER: 0 points, two big crashes and a lot of head-scratching

It’s possible that we couldn’t have been more wrong for Jonathan Rea’s (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) first weekend in blue. After promising signs in testing, he ended up with no points in his first three races of 2024. Suffering with heavy rear chatter from testing on Tuesday at Phillip Island – which ultimately caused the crash at Turn 11 then – the problem persisted during the weekend. He would’ve had points in Race 1 but lost 22 seconds in the pits, putting him down in 17^th. He fought into P10 for the Superpole Race but only the top nine get points there. Then, in Race 2, having run as high as fourth and just starting to get comfortable, he was bit again at Turn 11 with a huge highside, leaving him being declared unfit. A weekend to frankly forget, he’s never started four straight races and failed to achieve points in any (he didn’t score any points in his last Kawasaki race in 2023). There’s work to be done for him, crew chief Andrew Pitt and the rest of the team for Barcelona. The knock-on we didn’t expect is teammate Andrea Locatelli to be so clearly the best Yamaha so far.

BAUTISTA NOT WINNING AT PHILLIP ISLAND: 8 from 9 on Ducati but nothing in 3 of 2024

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) has always gone well at Phillip Island, even back in his Grand Prix career. He made an emphatic debut in 2019 at the track to cruise to a hat-trick and since being back at Ducati, he’d won five of six races – then 2024 happened. A crash whilst pushing through in Race 1, followed by being unable to get through on Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in the closing stages in the Superpole Race for a podium, Bautista did grow into the weekend. However, even the lightweight Spaniard, always easy on tyres, couldn’t resist Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) on the last lap of Race 2, with the #22 passing him around the outside at Turn 9 to double up on Sunday. Bautista not winning at Phillip Island could be influenced by the fact that he’d been injured throughout testing, the new rules or something else but for the #1 not to win something in Australia was a shock. Will normal service resume for Round 2?

LOWES DOUBLES UP: extraordinary performance to lead the Championship

Always fast at Phillip Island, Alex Lowes was exceptional in 2024. He had been fast throughout testing and inside the top three, something that transferred into the season-opening round too with a fourth in Race 1 before two wins on Sunday – the first dry wins for Kawasaki since 2022. Working with Pere Riba is obviously making a big impact from the start for the #22 but the way he approached, carried out and concluded the weekend was impressive. Did we see him doubling up on Sunday after Nicolo Bulega’s (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) domination on Saturday and Bautista’s rise on Sunday? Perhaps not but that goes to show that the step Lowes and Kawasaki have made is a real one.

ROOKIES AS STRONG AS EVER: Bulega winning, Iannone holeshotting and Sam Lowes in the mix

Pole and a win for Bulega on his debut as well as Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) grabbing the holeshot in Race 1 and the Superpole Race, leading the charge of the WorldSBK brigade in his maiden race and his first World Championship event in four years were amazing things to see. Bulega demonstrated his pace throughout testing but did we actually think he’d be Ducati’s only winner of the weekend in World Superbike? As for Iannone, regardless of how much talent he’s got, the testing he’s done or the track days he’s participated in, to come back in and straight away lead after four years away is arguably one of the most remarkable sights we’ve seen in WorldSBK. Add into the mix a solid debut from Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) who was a constant challenger for the top five, it’s fair to say that the rookies of 2024 won’t be disappointing. Let’s see if Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) and teammate Adam Norrodin can climb the order too.

OTHER SHOCKS: a quick glance elsewhere

On Sunday, one of the biggest shocks was Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who after finishing 15^th in the Superpole Race was third in Race 2 – he was a big beneficiary of the red flag for Jonathan Rea’s crash, having originally started in P12 but going for P7 on the restart. With only the Phillip Island test on Tuesday in his pre-season, Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) quietly went about his business and despite a huge lack of testing, surprised us with three top ten finishes. In Race 2, like Petrucci, Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) was sensational as he challenged for the lead in the early stages before finishing in sixth, having been 14^th in Race 1.

Further down, there was big disappointment for Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW), who was the only BMW to not feature inside the top ten at all, with a best of P11 after a penalty for a pitlane intervention time infraction. With Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) bagging a semi-surprising podium, teammate Michael van der Mark taking a P7 and Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) likewise in the top ten, the #45 knows there’s work to do to reach BMW’s potential.

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Source: WorldSBK.com

One of the hot topics leaving Phillip Island after Round 1 of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship was that Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) has made a clear step forward and is within striking distance of a first win. Perhaps when that first victory does come true, it’ll unlock the flood gates for ‘Loka’ and, in the eyes of Andrea Dosoli – Yamaha Motor Europe’s Road Racing Manager – could see him challenge for the title.

DOSOLI’S THOUGHTS: “Locatelli made a big step”

Two second places were achieved by Locatelli in Race 1 and the Superpole Race, seeing him right in the fight across both and really demonstrating the steps he’s made, as well a successful start with new crew chief Tom O’Kane. In Race 2, a story of what could have been as he put in two Superpole-style laps to catch right onto the back of race leaders Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), passing the Brit at Turn 4 on the last lap only to crash out of victory contention due to a false neutral. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old is third in the Championship and riding the best we’ve ever seen and it’s probably not just the Phillip Island effect either.

“It was clear to see that Andrea Locatelli made a big step,” began Dosoli, debriefing his way through the #55’s weekend. “Not only was this clear from his performance but for me, the biggest thing was his approach to the weekend. Before heading to Phillip Island, Andrea and his crew chief Tom O’Kane had a very clear target in mind – they wanted to win a race, and their performance on track shows they can achieve this.”

GOING FOR GOLD: “He’s thinking like a winner… can be a title contender this season”

Continuing on, Dosoli praised the mentality of the 2020 WorldSSP Champion who is now in his fourth season of WorldSBK action: “I think we can say that this weekend Andrea has shown a new level of maturity as throughout the weekend he displayed a winning mentality; he is thinking like a winner. This is a combination of the steps he has taken himself but also what he has learned from his new crew chief so I would like to congratulate both Andrea and his crew for this. It is just a matter of time before his first WorldSBK win now.

“In both the Superpole Race and Race 2 he was the quickest rider on the track making an impressive series of overtakes. It was only the unlucky false neutral on the last lap which prevented him winning in Race 2, I am 100% convinced he deserved the win in that race.  Of course, he’s disappointed with the result of the last race, but these things happen in racing – the most important thing is he showed his potential to fight at the front. Locatelli can be a title contender this season.”

O’KANE SPEAKS: “It’s fantastic to be working with Andrea; he was strong in every area”

Locatelli’s crew chief, Tom O’Kane, also added about his first weekend working with the Italian and the potential that he has for the year ahead: “It’s fantastic to be working with Andrea, he is an extremely focused and professional rider. His feedback is good and he understands a lot, it’s hard to single out particular strengths because from what we saw at Phillip Island, he was strong in every area. He rode incredibly well all weekend in Australia and there is no doubt he can be a contender for the title this year.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is going to be a blockbuster, of that there is no doubt. However, the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round was something quite spectacular, as new names emerged whilst others sunk despite pre-season hype. So, what did we learn? Nothing. That’s the short answer; it was a weekend that we’ve left with more questions than answers and more uncertainties than many other seasons. In any case, we put the small findings below!

BULEGA IS THE REAL DEAL: full gas for ‘Bulegas’ in 2024 after maiden win

Reigning WorldSSP Champion Nicolo Bulega rewrote history on Saturday as he strolled to victory from pole, perhaps one of the biggest shocks – even if he did look fast in testing. Racing is a different kettle of fish but Bulega, whilst with many things still to learn, was absolutely phenomenal on Saturday and had he not over-conserved on tyres in Race 2 on Sunday, could have been a podium man again. We know he’s going to be fast going forward and Barcelona could be a circuit where he challenges teammate Alvaro Bautista – something nobody’s done whilst the Spaniard’s been on Ducati at the track.

LOWES AND LOCATELLI RISE TO SHINE: the ex-number 2s come good

Having been fast throughout testing, there was an element of surprise that Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) converted into meaningful race-pace and a Sunday double in Australia. He had some serious pace in the Free Practice sessions too and with the modifications to the engine for Kawasaki, the ZX-10RR held its own in a straight line too. With a Kawasaki leading the Championship for the first time since 2022, let’s turn to Yamaha and Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), who out-shone new recruit Jonathan Rea no end. Two P2s and what could’ve been a race win in Race 2 but for a last lap crash in battle, ‘Loka’ was riding exceptionally well and has clearly gelled instantly with new crew chief Tom O’Kane. Let’s see if it continues in Barcelona, not necessarily a track that Lowes nor Locatelli have shone at before. They have strong pace and you’d have got good odds on both being inside the top three overall after Round 1.

BAUTISTA THE ONLY TITANIC TRIO MEMBER SHOWING BIG STRENGTH: but it’s still not convincing

With Jonathan Rea leaving Australia with precisely 0 points and Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in contention but lacking rear tyre at the end of races – as well as the engine blow-up he suffered in Race 2 – only Alvaro Bautista featured as a real race threat in Australia. The #1, reigning double Champion, was right in contention despite languishing on row three in Superpole. He got himself into contention in Race 1 before Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) ran him wide at Turn 9 and then, when fighting back through, crashed at Turn 10. The Superpole Race saw him strong but he went back at the end and was, ironically, unable to draft by Toprak on the Gardner straight, whilst he was mugged in a final lap classic in Race 2. He didn’t win at Phillip Island and whilst he’s down on meaningful testing, there’s work to do for the #1 going forward.

ROOKIES ARE FAST: a new guard and generation enter contention

We’ve already spoken of Bulega but Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) and Sam Lowes had strong races too. Iannone qualified on the front row, grabbed the holeshot in both Race 1 and the Tissot Superpole Race and walked off with a podium and a taste of ‘what could’ve been’ on Sunday morning had it not been for a handlebar grip coming off. For Lowes, a pit-stop drama in Race 1 pushed him outside the top ten but he featured in the leading group throughout the weekend, not easy with him and the team being new to WorldSBK. ‘The Maniac’ was close to a second podium in Race 2 whilst Lowes took a solid P7; Barcelona will be very interesting to keep an eye on those two.

BMW REALLY HAVE MADE A STEP: and not just with Stoprak

Toprak Razgatlioglu may have stormed to an impressive podium in the Superpole Race to end BMW’s year-and-a-half wait for a podium (in just his second race) but there’s a big picture for the German manufacturer. Toprak wasn’t the only BMW looking strong; teammate Michael van der Mark blasted up the order after a P16 Superpole result to take P7 in Race 1, whilst it was another top ten in Race 2 in P9. Then, Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW), whilst not featuring as high up as he’d have liked, took P9 and P8 in a solid first weekend of the year and because of that, those three BMWs are in the top ten – don’t ask the last time we saw that. The only one that did struggle consistently through the weekend was Gerloff’s teammate Scott Redding: a P11 the only thing to write home about. As BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers said, they can leave “satisfied”.

WorldSBK IS BACK: 7 podium finishers, 4 manufacturers in contention and unpredictability

Social media was alive with reaction on Saturday and Sunday to the new era of World Superbike and we got the start we wanted and somewhat deserved. The new rules have clearly worked and the shake-up on the grid has really jumbled up the order. Those who struggled will come good, those who were strong Down Under will come undone at some point. We really are in for a vintage year of racing but we knew that anyway. Perhaps that’s the only thing we really can learn from Phillip Island: that in racing, it’s going to be as wild as we all hoped.

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Source: WorldSBK.com